Hello, Diane. I'm so glad you've stopped by planDisney with your questions. October is going to be here before you know it and I am happy to help get your trip planning going in the right direction.
Diane, the
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a beloved experience for Guests ages 3-12 years of age where Fairy Godmothers-in-Training wave their wands and transform little boys and girls into the favorite Princesses or Knights in Training. This was a must-do every visit when my daughter was that age. At this time, there has been no announcement made of when the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique might return. When that announcement is made, you'll be able to find all of the details on the
Disney Parks Blog. That is my go-to source for all things that are returning to Walt Disney World.
At this time, character meals are still limited but you do have a few to choose from. However, there are not any being currently offered at Magic Kingdom Park. You can find character meals at Garden Grill in Epcot, Hollywood & Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Chef Mickey's in Disney's Contemporary Resort and Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera in Disney's Riviera Resort. Right now, character dining still does look a bit different. Characters no longer come to your table for an individual meet and greet session and photos but now they dance, wave, smile and pose while walking around the room physically distance from each table. I recently dinned at Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera and had the best time. It was fun seeing some of my favorite pals again and I actually took some of the best photos with my girl, Minnie Mouse. Because she was further away from the table I was able to get her whole outfit in the selfie and it just turned out so cute. Character dining might be a bit different these days but it is still so much fun. If you are wanting to enjoy a character meal close to Magic Kingdom Park, Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort is going to be your best bet. After your meal, you'll be able to walk over to Magic Kingdom Park to enjoy the day.
As a part of the 50th celebrations, earlier this year Disney had announced they will be starting to let Disney Resort Guests into all of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks 30 minutes prior to opening to be able to enjoy the Magic just a little bit longer. After that announcement, we haven't received any more details on when the program might begin. I think as October gets closer, we will be seeing more details about all of the special plans put in place to help celebrate the 50th. Again, when more information about that is released, we will be able to find out more on the Disney Parks Blog.
Whether or not the early entry program is up and running by your trip, I highly encourage you to arrive at the theme parks as early as possible. My family and I like to be at each park 45 minutes - 1 hour prior to park opening. This just sets us up for such a nice day. To prevent people queuing up close together at the park entrance, after going through security and temperature screenings, we've actually been able to walk right in and head to the first attraction to enjoy of the day prior to park opening. I'm always amazed at how much we can check off of our must-do list before lunchtime when we arrive early.
Diane, I'm sorry I don't have more information for you about things coming in the future or returning to Walt Disney World. We both just have to keep an eye out for any announcements that are made between now and then. If you have any other questions before your trip, please come back and
ask me. I'm here to help!